Buffalo, NY – BlueCross BlueShield is shaking up Fitness at Canalside this summer with more than 20 free fitness classes to get everyone up and moving outdoors in the fresh air.
Drawing over 14,000 Western New Yorkers in 2016, Fitness at Canalside offers a broad range of classes that appeal to all ages and fitness levels. Not only are many classes returning this year, but BlueCross BlueShield, the official sponsor of Fitness at Canalside, is adding a variety of new classes to the roster.
New classes for 2017 include Catalyst Kickboxing, BAMF Parkour and Hip Hop Cardio. Plus, SilverSneakers® for older adults, Josh & Friends for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and Little Gym of Williamsville, specifically designed with children in mind, are making their debut this summer as part of the local health plan’s free fitness series.
Returning for 2017 are fan favorites like Zumba, Blitz Boot Camp, Power Yoga, Kettle Bells and more.
Classes are held from sunrise to sunset throughout the week, and are led by the area’s most recognized fitness coaches. Whether the goal is to try a new class, get a full body workout, or relax by the waterfront – families, couples and friends can get fit together and share their experiences on social media through #BCBSFitness.
“Getting fit has never been so fun,” said Julie R. Snyder, Vice President, Corporate Relations, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “As the official health plan of Canalside, BlueCross BlueShield is so excited to kick off another season of outdoor fitness classes and activities for everyone to join in and get healthy.”
Fitness classes are free and open to individuals of all ages, regardless of fitness level or experience.
Also new for 2017 are free rides on the Queen City Ferry included with every Blue Bike rental. With nearly 50 Blue Bikes available for rent daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., individuals can pedal and explore downtown Buffalo and the waterfront – no membership needed. BlueCross BlueShield members will receive $5 off any rental by presenting their member BlueCross BlueShield ID card.
The local health plan will also host a series of unique, healthy activities at Canalside’s Boardwalk Bazaar on select Fridays throughout the summer from 5 to 10 p.m. The events include rock-climbing and other activities designed to encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zone and try new things.
A full calendar of fitness classes and events can be found at bcbswny.com/play. All classes and activities are weather dependent. In cases of inclement weather, individuals can check Canalside’s Facebook page for updates.
| Day and Time | Program | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
SilverSneakers® - Sow it Now* |
Sow It Now Health & Fitness brings The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to Canalside. The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is an innovative health, exercise and wellness program helping older adults live healthy, active lifestyles. Get fit, have fun, make friends! |
6/12-8/28 |
|
Monday, 6:00-7:00 p.m. |
RevFit |
RevFit is a Total body circuit workout designed to get your muscles fired up for 60 fun, power-packed minutes. Body weight exercises will get your body fired up and leave you wanting more for next week… you’ll never be bored! |
6/5-8/28 |
|
Monday, 6:00-7:00 p.m. |
Get Jazzy with ConfiDANCE* |
Join the team at ConfiDANCE for an amazing alternative workout through the art of Jazz dance; where you will learn to kick, turn, jump and dance your way into a new confident you! |
6/12-8/28 |
|
Monday, 7:00-8:00 p.m. |
Barre Centric |
Barre Centric helps to sculpt long and lean muscles by combining principles from Ballet, Yoga, and Pilates. The class is broken down into 4 sections– warmup, thighs, seat, and abdominals, using small isometric movements to fatigue the muscles and lengthening stretches to increase flexibility. |
6/5-8/28 |
|
Tuesday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
Everyone Can Dance* |
Sway, Stretch, Imagine, Laugh! EVERYONE really can dance with movements designed to help your body feel good. Follow along in a wide range of dance styles, from smooth to rhythmic, with great music. Enjoy improvisation games where there’s no wrong way to do it. Fun for all ages, adults and children. |
6/6-8/29 |
|
Tuesday, 5:00-5:45 p.m. |
Life Coaching and Guided Meditation* |
Connect with your true self, de-stress, and come back to your center through life coaching skills, techniques and guided meditation! For the complete beginner to the seasoned practitioner, Sarah Haykel has a way of helping you see yourself more clearly. Come be seen and see yourself in this fun, interactive, and exploratory weekly event. |
6/13-8/22 |
|
Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. |
Soma Cura Yoga* |
Soma Cura Yoga is a low-impact exercise program designed to increase your strength, flexibiliby, and endurance, while simultaneously helping you quiet your mind so you can be a more mindful and aware person throughout your day. People of all fitness levels will find yoga both easily accessible and very beneficial. |
6/6-7/18 |
|
Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. |
Love in Motion Yoga* |
Love in Motion will guide you through a restorative and relaxing Vinyasa yoga class. This class is suitable for all skill levels. Please bring your own mat! |
7/25-8/29 |
|
Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. |
Zumba® |
Zumba® is a Colombian based dance workout that pushes your cardio endurance and is created to be like a hour long dance party. Squats and lunges are incorporated into hip-hop, salsa, samba, merengue and more styles of dances |
6/6-8/29 |
|
Tuesday, 7:00-8:00 p.m. |
Blitz Body Bootcamp |
Jada Blitz Body Boot Camp is a fun, fast paced workout to help you achieve maximum results. Build your endurance, strength and tone your muscles while meeting new people. |
6/6-8/29 |
|
Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. |
POUND-Garage |
POUND Fitness will channel your inner performer and rock your body with this modern-day fusion of movement and music. Drum along to a slammin’ soundtrack using Ripstix™ weighted drumsticks designed to transform drumming into a full body interval workout that will leave you dripping sweat. Rock out with us! workout or class. |
6/7-8/30 |
|
Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. |
Catalyst Kickboxing* |
Catalyst Kickboxing is a high-energy non-contact cardio workout with no complex moves to master. A Catalyst instructor will challenge you to up the intensity and motivate you to make the most of every round. You’ll release stress, have a blast and feel like a champ! |
6/14-8/30 |
|
Thursday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
Sow it Now - Josh & Friends* |
“Josh & Friends” is a segment of Sow It Now Health & Fitness. Join us for “circuit training” exercise programs to music, for ambulatory teens and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities that are designed to be fun, and effective, in a supportive environment. |
6/15-8/31 |
|
Friday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
Little Gym of Williamsville* |
Come join The Little Gym of Williamsville and make new friends, try new things, and build self-confidence in a super fun, supportive environment! Fun and loads of laughs guaranteed. This program is designed for children ages 4 months-12 years old. |
6/9-9/1 |
|
Friday, 6:00-7:00 p.m. |
Power Yoga Buffalo |
This form of yoga builds on the foundations for patience with the emphasis on alignment of posture, physical conditioning and breathing. Power yoga does not follow a set series of poses, so classes can vary widely. Cardio is a focus. |
5/26-9/1 |
|
Friday, 7:00-8:00 p.m. |
BAMF Ninja/Parkour* |
Learn how to navigate obstacles in your environment as effectively and efficiently as possible. Get very good at getting over, under, around and through just about anything. |
5/26-8/25 |
|
Saturday, 9:00-10:00 a.m. |
Kettlebell - Garage |
This program provides heart-pumping music and your favorite kettlebell moves and combines them into 60 minutes of calorie-torching fun! This whole-body workout emphasizes group fitness and focuses on specific areas, such as arms, legs, core and cardio. Each song concentrates on a main area. |
6/3-8/26 |
|
Saturday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
Full Body Blast- Harmony Fitness * |
Harmony Fitness presents Fully Body Blast. An exercise program that combines resistance training, cardiovascular training, stretching and flexibility, fat burning, and muscle building components into one hour long class. Geared for all ages and skill levels, this class will push your limits while proving to you that exercise can be fun! Bring a water bottle, mat, and a set of hand weights! |
6/10-8/28 |
|
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
BollyX - The Bollywood Workout* |
BollyX is a Bollywood-inspired dance-fitness program that combines dynamic choreography with the hottest music from around the world. It’s a 50-minute cardio workout designed to get you moving, sweating, and keep you motivated! You can burn 500-800 calories in just one session. |
6/24-8/28 |
|
Sunday, 9:00-10:00 a.m. |
Bellydance Sundays & Sun* |
Join us for aerobic style fitness with Belly Dance moves. Fun and effective! Learn as you work out! You may be surprised how slightly changing your fitness routine can challenge your muscles. No experience needed! |
6/11-8/28 |
|
Sunday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. |
Turbo Kick Live* |
Turbo Kick Live is a high energy, fun cardio-kickboxing party that tones muscles and torches fat. Each class is packed with real kickboxing moves, calorie-blasting HIIT training, and bodyweight exercises. You’ll leave dripping sweat and ready to conquer anything! |
6/11-8/27 |
|
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
Hip Hop Cardio - GoPole Fitness* |
This is a fun, easy-to-follow cardio dance class that focuses on using hip-hop moves and songs. If you enjoy great music and moving your body, then this is the class for you. All fitness levels are encouraged and welcome! |
6/11-8/27 |
*New classes for 2017
About BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1936, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueCross BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of our community.
For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueCross BlueShield News Center at bcbswny.com/news or follow us on Twitter
About Canalside
Canalside is a growing regional destination and entertainment district, situated on 21 historic acres along downtown Buffalo’s emerging waterfront on the Buffalo River. Canalside earns its name from its storied past, when the Erie Canal Harbor was built in 1825 as the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Until six years ago, the land was barren and inaccessible, but the area has been reclaimed by the state’s Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and developed with millions of dollars in public and private investment. With more than 1,000 yearly events and nearly 1 million annual visitors, Canalside is fast becoming the go-to place for in- and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax. For more information, visit www.canalsidebuffalo.com